Successful 2003 Discovery Projects Grants by Institution - Australian ...

New South Wales
Australian Catholic University
DP0345820 Prof P Allen
Title: The development of the cult of Mary in North African Christianity (100 - 431 C.E.)
2003 : $68,000
2004 : $65,245
2005 : $70,000
Category: 4201 - LANGUAGE STUDIES
Administering Institution: Australian Catholic University
Summary:
As part of international collaborative research dedicated to dispassionate examination of the development
of the cult of Mary from 100 to 431 CE, this project deals with literary evidence from North Africa, in
which the works of Augustine dominate. The Latin texts will be examined philologically, theologically and
historically in order to reconstruct Mary's place in early Christianity, the raw data made available online,
and the results disseminated through conference papers, monographs and journal articles. This research,
the first of its kind, will make a contribution to women's studies, and to the study of late antique culture
and hagiography.
Australian Museum
DP0345876 Dr JM Leis
Title: Ontogeny of Behaviour and Sensory Abilities in Larvae of Marine Fishes
2003 : $90,000
2004 : $70,000
2005 : $70,000
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Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Administering Institution: Australian Museum
Summary:
This project examines development of swimming performance, other behaviours and sensory abilities
relevant to dispersal in larvae of a variety of marine fish species. Both laboratory and field methods will
provide an overview of larval behaviour and sensory abilities throughout ontogeny. The extent to which
morphological development explains these developmental differences in behaviour and sensory ability will
be examined in reared and wild individuals. This will provide direct evidence of when during the larval
phase that fishes are able to actively modify dispersal patterns. This is important information for
management of marine living resources and design of marine reserves.
Charles Sturt University
DP0342589 Dr ID Lunt
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Title: Effects of European colonisation on indigenous ecosystems: multiple-scale spatial
structure of pre- and post-settlement Callitris forests
2003 : $60,000
Category: 2707 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
Administering Institution: Charles Sturt University
Summary:
Since European colonisation, altered disturbance regimes, especially fire and grazing, have greatly
affected intact ecosystems across the globe. However, the extent and causes of changes are often
hotly contested. This study will examine how European colonisation has affected natural ecosystems, by
documenting historical fire regimes and comparing pre- and post-settlement forest patterns across
multiple spatial scales. The study will be conducted in temperate Callitris forests, and will provide the first,
multiple-scale, spatial analysis of post-settlement vegetation changes in Australia. Results will enhance
our global understanding of European environmental impacts and provide quantitative benchmarks to